The opening, which was held on Saturday (April 26) was then marked with a family fun celebration event which saw a whole range of entertainment organised by the Hunstanton Chamber of Trade.

There was lots of fun to be had as performances included John Giller’s youth drama group, Hunstanton Concert Band, Tommy the Clown and also the Morris and Molly dancers.

Cllr Watson said she was “quite emotional” at the event.

She said: “The Spinney has been a part of me for some years now. Its has formed a culmination of a dream.

“Everyone has worked so hard and it’s just fantastic, it really is. Children here today have had the freedom to run around and it has been great to see. If only we had some sunshine, but it’s still wonderful.”

Local performer and former town councillor Cliff Allman introduced the acts in the new performance area.

Children had plenty of fun with the traditional Punch and Judy, face painting, a treasure hunt around the town’s shops and a fancy dress competition.

Michael Ruston, secretary of the Hunstanton Chamber of Trade, said: “The Chamber of Trade is delighted with the new performance area and pedestrian friendly environment that has been created at the Spinney.

“This is, what we hope will be, the first of many events to be staged in this location, which will help encourage people up into the town centre. We are looking forward to welcoming people to the area on the day.”

It is hoped that town centre business will work together to organise further events in this performance area to build on the success of the first event and to help raise awareness of the new linkage to the town centre.

Cllr Alistair Beales, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I am pleased to see this performance area being used and would urge people to come along and support their local high street businesses.

“This project has been a great example of the community working with the local authority to achieve a real improvement. The outcome has been well received and I think that once performances and activities start to take place, this area will go from strength to strength.”